Date: Apr 23, 2025
Location: Waterloo, CA
Company: Wilfrid Laurier University
Department: Secretariat’s Office
Job Type: Continuing
Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year)
Campus: Waterloo
Reports to: Assistant Vice President, Governance and Policy
Employee Group: Management
Application Deadline: 05/07/2025
Requisition ID: 9229
Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.
Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier’s Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict. Laurier’s Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the AVP, Governance and Policy, the Manager, Governance and Policy is a senior leadership role within the University Secretariat, responsible for ensuring the effective, transparent, and strategic operation of the Board of Governors and its committees, in alignment with Wilfrid Laurier University’s bicameral governance structure.
Dealing with confidential and sensitive issues, this position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, timely information and advice on governance structures, best practices, policies, procedures, precedents, and regulatory compliance. It plays a central role in fostering transparent, responsive, and forward-looking governance that enables well-informed decision-making, grounded in sound governance principles, aligned with the University’s long-term priorities. The role contributes to strategic governance initiatives, and supports continuous improvement through planning, education, evaluation and succession planning.
Grounded in Laurier’s values of collaboration, inclusivity, and purpose-driven leadership, the Manager, Governance and Policy builds strong relationships and serves as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders. The role requires the ability to foster productive relationships across all levels of the University, inspire confidence, earn the respect of stakeholders, influence change, and apply sound judgment, tact, diplomacy and contextual awareness to enhance governance processes and institutional effectiveness.
This role also provides leadership within the University Secretariat, supervising and mentoring junior staff and ensuring operational continuity. The Manager, Governance and Policy has the delegated authority to act in the absence of the AVP, Governance and Policy, including the provision of advice and guidance to all constituencies of the university as a neutral, objective and trusted advisor.
This position has a university-wide mandate and is based at the Waterloo Campus. The incumbent provides leadership in a multi-campus environment, requiring regular interaction, communication and collaboration with staff and stakeholders at the Waterloo Campus, Brantford Campus, locations in Kitchener and Milton, and external partners. The Manager will ensure the unit’s policies, programs and services are delivered equitably across all campuses and reflect the needs of local stakeholders.

BOARD ENGAGEMENT, EDUCATION, AND SUCCESSION PLANNING

• Contribute to Board effectiveness assessments and governance reviews, assisting in periodic evaluations of Board and committee performance and recommending strategies for continuous improvement.
• Develop and deliver onboarding materials and related reference documents for new Board and committee members; University senior leaders and managers; and non-Board committee members; based on most up-to-date materials, information, and governance best practices.
• Ensure orientation and related reference materials are accurate, complete, and kept up-to-date and posted in the governance portal and/or Secretariat website, as appropriate.
• Support the University Secretariat with education and strategic sessions, succession planning and renewal for the Board and its committees, in alignment with governance procedures, election policies, recruitment strategies and other standards. This includes senior executive searches and/or reviews for the President and Vice-Chancellor and University Chancellor.
• Develop and maintain governance-related resources, including Board member handbooks, procedural guides, and training materials to enhance Board effectiveness and efficiency, delegating tasks as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree is required. Masters degree is an asset.
• 4-6 years of experience in a related field (e.g., governance, public administration, higher education management), including experience with other Boards.
• Significant experience in high-level governance advisory role within academic institutions, with a strategic understanding of policy impacts.
• Governance certification (e.g., ICD.D, GPC.D) or courses/workshops are an asset but not required.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of board governance, decision making practices, and the role of the Board in a bicameral governance structure.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Board of Governors’ roles, responsibilities, and obligations, including the role of legislation and governing documents in the governance of the university.
• Proven ability to leverage knowledge of parliamentary rules of procedure (Robert’s Rules) to guide complex meetings.
• Demonstrated expertise in policy development, strategic planning, and compliance frameworks.
• Knowledge and understanding of university/post-secondary education sector, and the landscape/issues that may affect the University and its operations.
• Strong leadership, advisory, and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively and build trust with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare governance reports, policy documents, and training materials.
• Proven capacity to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment and exercise sound judgment in sensitive governance matters.
• Skilled at handling sensitive issues, managing confidential information, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with neutrality and objectivity.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to assess governance challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Capable of working independently with initiative or collaboratively as part of a team to achieve governance objectives.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to anticipate needs, set priorities, and develop timelines to ensure seamless execution of governance activities, projects and deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and experience operationalizing best practices in governance, with a commitment to high-quality work and strong organizational skills.
• Adept at synthesizing complex information and drawing meaningful connections to inform decision-making.
• Some experience mentoring, coaching, or supervising staff, with the ability to provide guidance, support professional development, and delegate effectively.
• Advanced Microsoft Office Skills.

Please refer the Job description for details